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- Sep 6, 2016
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I'm trying to get a new 5-11 gallon full volume e-BIAB brew system in place.
I would like to do full mashes when possible. I'd really like the option to do 10 Gallons on occasion. I was initially thinking 20 gallon kettles. However, with the standard 1.2 ratio kettle dimensions and the average 18" diameter means 5 or 6 gallons is barely 5" deep in the kettle. Which seems even more problematic for BIAB mash with an element. I'm looking for the least amount of fuss and muss. I already have a CFC and a pump, so it would be nice to have a whirlpool port. Also, I was thinking Tri-Clamp for the versatility, ease of swapping out fittings and fast cleanup. I know it's not really a sanitation benefit. Mash re-circulation isn't a current requirement.
Kettle "requirements"
Brewer's Hardware.
Pro's
Spike Brewing
Pro's
Pro's
Do you have any experience with BIAB and the aforementioned kettles? Do you have experience with how well BIAB 5 gallon batches in a 20 gallon kettle or 10 Gallon in a 15 Gallon kettle work? If you have the time to comment I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!
I would like to do full mashes when possible. I'd really like the option to do 10 Gallons on occasion. I was initially thinking 20 gallon kettles. However, with the standard 1.2 ratio kettle dimensions and the average 18" diameter means 5 or 6 gallons is barely 5" deep in the kettle. Which seems even more problematic for BIAB mash with an element. I'm looking for the least amount of fuss and muss. I already have a CFC and a pump, so it would be nice to have a whirlpool port. Also, I was thinking Tri-Clamp for the versatility, ease of swapping out fittings and fast cleanup. I know it's not really a sanitation benefit. Mash re-circulation isn't a current requirement.
Kettle "requirements"
- Stainless Steel
- 5-10 gallon (6-11 into the fermenter) batch capability
- Welded fittings
- Whirlpool or return fitting
- Electric Element Port
- Prefer tri-clamp
- Temp probe in wort during 5 gallon batches
Brewer's Hardware.
Pro's
- Tangential Inlet
- 15.75" diameter on 20 Gallon kettle (reasonable wort height and boil off for 5 gallon batches which will be most).
- Not sure if there's a fitting to direct wort up or down during recirculation. Or attach a hose to if i go mash recirc. (Not strictly required as I neither plan to cool during whirlpool or recirc during mash).
- $$$ ($56 dollars to ship!)
- Temperature port is high (I've read at the 7 gallon mark)
Spike Brewing
Pro's
- Reputedly one of the most solid builds.
- Tri-ply is induction capable
- Volume is conservative and usually 1-2 gallons more than sold as.
- $80 or $90 savings over Brewer's Hardware
- Volume Markings
- 20 gallon pot is ~18" diameter which seems too big for 5-6 gallon batches.
Pro's
- $, The cheapest, $230-$250 bucks for custom outfit and free shipping. Another ~$100 savings over spike and $200 from Brewer's Hardware
- sells 1" whirlpool fitting
- Kettle dimensions appear to be Concord. 15 gallons barely 15 (only 16" high)
- 20 gallon pot is ~18" diameter which seems too big for 5-6 gallon batches.
- Not as "beefy" as Spike.
Do you have any experience with BIAB and the aforementioned kettles? Do you have experience with how well BIAB 5 gallon batches in a 20 gallon kettle or 10 Gallon in a 15 Gallon kettle work? If you have the time to comment I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!
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